High-speed Willits chase ends in arrest

A routine traffic stop Thursday afternoon, led police on a wild ride before ending in a foot chase and arrest on Tomki Road.

Willits police signaled Jerry Jasper Bailey, 35, of Willits, to pull over in the 500 block of East Valley Road at about 4:45 p.m. on April 18. The officer had recognized Bailey from prior contacts and was aware he had an outstanding felony arrest warrant pending.

As Bailey's vehicle sped away, the Willits police officer called for backup, and other Willits officers and Mendocino County sheriff's deputies responded. Soon after the chase reached Tomki Road, the driver ran from the vehicle and into the brush.

Police learned the abandoned vehicle had been reported stolen.

During the foot pursuit, Bailey allegedly stole another vehicle parked near Tomki Creek; he was attempting to drive away when a sheriff's deputy stopped him.

Bailey was arrested on suspicion of felony evading a peace officer while driving on the wrong side of the highway, two counts of auto theft, a number of felony enhancements for committing a crime while released from a prior offense, plus the original felony arrest warrant. He remains in custody; his first court hearing was April 23.